Fights near PNP station /Lucrative money deals for bocaps

BULL'S HIT
Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY -- For the nth time, another untoward incident happened at the 1st Kayang St. here Thursday 1 a.m. wherein two groups of young male bystanders for unknown reason clashed causing a free-for-all fight with some throwing stones and bottles at their opponents.

A concerned resident who witnessed the commotion rushed to the nearest and main police station a few meters away to report the incident. Well, the story was not clear when told to me, so we decided to go check the record the following day.

At police Station 7, it was a surprise that the incident was not recorded in their blotter? Not even a single word, so I wondered how come and why? Imagine, we went to the said police community precinct at about 5 pm of Jan. 20 and noted the last time an incident entered into their logbook was 9 p.m. on Jan. 19!

Holy cow, don’t they tell me that on that long time span of hours nothing untoward happened or was reported for record purposes. They can tell that to the Marines! Now, I wonder no more why the Baguio City Police brags about the decrease of crime rates in this city.

Only recorded incidents perhaps are made as their reference, and how about those unrecorded ones that are blown away and gone with the wind? Simple ratio in mathematics would give a right answer to anyone’s guess. Whew!
***
Barangay residents choose their officials and oftentimes they regret their chosen candidates who won but don’t meet their expectations.

I am not saying that this is now happening in lower Magsaysay Barangay, but perhaps an inch close to the forgoing if reports are true that some of these barangay officials are really doing some monkey business in their area of responsibility.

First is the proposed resolution of the three kagawads who urged jeepney associations with the route La Trinidad-Baguio to pay 10 pesos for every unit of jeepney that enters and exists at the parking ground in Tabora Park (formerly Rabbit sinkhole).

Now, according to an official of a jeepney association, a jeep could make seven trips a day and there are almost a total of 180 jeeps all in all for that route. So 10 pesos multiplied by seven trips is 70 pesos the barangay could get for one unit a day.

You multiply it with 180 and that would make a whooping 12,600 pesos a day. The barangay therefore would be earning P378,000 in just one month. Wow, what a very good source of fund raising.

However, it remains a question where the money would go, and if the kagawads insist the resolution is legitimate, why was there no consultation with concerned transport groups earlier?

Did the committee on public utilities in the city council approve this resolution? Secondly, how true is it that the “Bigmac” kiosk standing beside Summit Bank are giving P 6,000 monthly to the two neighboring barangay captains? Accordingly, the 3,000 pesos per month goes to the barangay captain of Sto. Nino Barangay, a certain Tacbas, while the other P3,000 reportedly goes to barangay captain Boy Amagen of Lower Magsaysay.

If these are true, then the duo could have made an agreement to be partners in the big C. Thirdly, is the alleged collection of P50 per day from all vendors with no exception true? Kahit nagtitinda lamang daw ng mani ay kinokolektahan.

So if they have around 10 vendors, it is another P500 a day or P15,000 a month.

Aba mayaman pala ang Lower Magsaysay. Am I right punong barangay Boy Amagen? And how about those reported business establishments at Sunnyside Building, and those nearby who don’t have business permit, but instead your kagawad collecting certain amounts from them?

Do you know, or have you given the blessing to this kagawad, who accordingly is the brother of some of the business owners? If not, then don’t tell me you are now a member of the “bulag, pipi, bingi at inutil” bandwagon. Gising!

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Theft at city hall

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY -- For the nth time, city hall was again struck by thieves. Last Tuesday afternoon, the collection of a lady employee of the city treasurer’s department amounting to around a hundred thousand pesos was taken purportedly by thieves.

The worker said the money was taken without her knowledge and was the handiwork of a person who pretended to be doing transaction at the one-stop business area at city hall.

True or not, the subject employee has more to explain than making excuses. Carelessness, negligence or not, how can an outsider get inside a counter unnoticed and get away without anybody there noticing and calling for help?

In fairness to security guards detailed in that place, they should not be the ones to be blamed but the lady employee herself for negligence is no excuse.

Perhaps Mayor Domogan should talk with city treasurer Thelma Manaois to discuss the best way to deal with this issue. They could even ask assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct investigation to determine if there was connivance or an inside job for this could be either a salisi or sali na operandi!

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Jueteng , bars for minors and underground drug deals

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

Perhaps it is true that jueteng doesn’t exist in Baguio City, but bet collectors are back in business collecting money from bettors and submit these to somewhere else in La Trinidad, Benguet.

If the jai-alai at La Trinidad is being used as front for this “teng-we” as reported to us by informants, then I surmise there was a done deal between some Benguet officials, the police and jueteng operators. I wonder though why kubradors are openly collecting money for bets in Baguio without any questions asked.

In the first place, if Baguio concerned officials would really like to know the real picture of these bet collections for Jail-alai “kuno”, then they could have ordered the police intelligence department or hire the services of a private detective agency to monitor the movements of these kubradors.

But sad to note, nobody lifted a finger. Why? I don’t want to think that Baguio is one of those reported areas where jueteng is back in Northern Luzon.
***
Two weeks ago, my bubuwit went to the land transportation office in Baguio for the renewal of his driver’s license. According to him, while he was entering the LTO compound, several persons rushed to meet him and offered deals to fix his license for an amount of money but he just ignored them and went to fall in line with other people doing the same transaction at the licensing division.

While waiting for his turn to be called, he noticed that there were several posters posted at the walls of the said Land Transportation office and written in big letters “bawal ang fixers”! Whew! I could not understand why these posters are being placed at their walls for the public to know, but seemingly doing nothing to apprehend these fixers roaming around within their compound.

I could not help but think again of that billboard at the post office loop beside the Department of transportation and Communication Office-Cordillera that is printed “ This city is a smoke belching free city”! Bistadong papogi points. Wake up little three Suzies!
***
This is to call the attention of kabayanihan punong barangay Michael Carl Flores and Councilor Edison Bilog, committee chairman for peace and order in Baguio to look into those bar establishments who allow minors to enter and drink liquor.

A bar at the basement of Cospal Building (Yanganot’s Bar) is even allowing young people to play poker games inside their premise and how true is it that a similar bar which is a stone’s throw away from the Kabayanihan Barangay office is serving liquor when its permit applied for and issued was supposed to be for a restaurant?

I challenge barangay captain Michael Flores to inspect for himself these establishments if he wants us to believe that he is doing his job, if not, then sorry to say that he doesn’t deserve to serve another term, period!
***
With the low temperature, the coldest ever now being experienced in Baguio, the Baguio water district is I guess relieved because most of us prefer a few drops of water to sprinkle than taking a bath from a pail of water.

On the other hand, I guess the Population Commission is worried that our population might double next year… couples enjoy warming up in bed and enjoy the cold evenings.

The next job is that of OB-gyne departments in hospitals. But sad to say that there are no hospitals to cure the diseases of those dying vegetables in Benguet due to frost. Just the same, enjoy the cold air of the mountain resort city. It is only once a year. Wear thick sweaters and jackets, sip your favorite hot coffee and take a lot of vitamin C…Brrrrr…
***
I wonder no more why illegal drug dealers continue their brisk, lucrative business and are not cowed by arrest or even trials at the courts. I had this experience of testing a drug enforcement agent assigned at Camp Dangwa who led alleged drug entrapment operation months back.

The wife of one of the suspects approached me and said the operatives were allegedly out to extort money from them. Her husband is now detained at the Baguio jail and the case is now pending at the trial court in Baguio.

The bail amount for the supposed release was too high this woman has to move heaven and earth to raise the amount. She approached and begged me if I could talk and persuade the agents to lay law on the case.

I was able to talk to one of the lead agents and boy, was I am surprised. He told me they would ask the judge handling the case to dismiss it if the couple will pay a certain amount in exchange for the favor.

Holy cow, if this case could be dismissed by the judge in cahoots perhaps with the enforcement officers, how much more to the other cases? Are our drug enforcement officers making money making drug suspects their milking cows?

Are our prosecutors or judges taking part in the pie? If not, then I wonder why these drug officers are bold enough to extort money from the suspects!
***
Due to time and space constraints, the exclusive expose of the misdeeds at the registry of deeds in Baguio City will be in the next issue of this column. “Abangan!

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Bid out Solibao and Ganza restaurants now

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

The Supreme Court ruled out that the Truth Commission created by Malacanang through an executive order under the new administration was unconstitutional.

The highest court of this Banana Republic is now seemingly saying that other fact-finding committees could also be unconstitutional. It means these are contrary to or violative of the constitution or fundamental law of the state. Would the decision do better or worse for this country?

Question is, if recommendatory resolutions from fact- finding committees are made with probable causes to indict investigated government officials, would these now merit consideration to higher level of investigative bodies like the Sandigan Bayan?

How I wish there would be no conflicting crossfire of position hereon that would be tantamount to putting anti-graft and corrupt cases at the closet and made to rot there. Of course smart lawyers would be happy to just file motions for dismissal by means of technicality if these cases are brought out.

Now I don’t blame other people if they seek justice through other means or join underground movements and live on the mountains because sometimes justice is not served fair and square, right honorable justices?
***
I have been receiving mixed reactions from my friends regarding my latest article in my column of the Ganza and Solibao restaurants within Burnham Park. A few are saying that in my cause, I am heading in the right direction, but reminding me to be careful. A lot however presume this will go nowhere.

Malakas daw ang kapit ng mag-asawang Cating sa City Hal. Perhaps, Councilor Elmer Datuin who is the chairperson of the city council’s committee on parks management could do something and prove that nobody is untouchable. Right Apo Datuin?

Matagal nang expired ang kontrata, ano pa ang hinihintay ninyo? Go ahead and conduct public bidding for the Ganza and Solibao restaurants, period!
***
Many are complaining against Smart Communications Company I am told. According to my bubuwit, he went to the Smart office at SM Baguio to complain about his SIM card that was apparently having a problem with load consumption. Ninanakaw daw ang kanyang load.

Imagine him, loading his SIM card for an all text 20 (P20.00) only to be empty after sending five text messages only to smart users. Magagalit siyempre.

To his surprise, plenty were also complaining of the same problem at the smart office. They aired the same sentiment calling the attention of Smart management, to do something about the alleged stealing of loads from their Smart SIM Cards.

I for one experienced this similar problem so I urge Smart Communications to do something, otherwise, I may not believe that using smart makes you smart.
***
This is to call the attention of the Baguio City permits and licensing office to look into a reported bar establishment that does not have a business permit to operate.

According to my bubuwit, this Yanganot’s Bar and Billiards at the Cospal Building of Upper Mabini St. is also a haven of minors and poker games. According to kabayanihan punong barangay Michael Carl Flores whom my bubuwit immediately informed of the matter, there was already a closure order of the said establishment but no action has been done.

If this was true, then I wonder what’s keeping the permits and licensing and public order and safety division under the mayor’s office in enforcing the said closure order. Baka naghihintay ng pamasko… err I mean pasko?
***
How true is it that some public utility drivers were able to renew their drivers’ licenses despite them using prohibited drugs? Some jeepney and taxi drivers disclosed to my bubuwit that they knew of some drivers who renewed their licenses even without actual tests.

They claimed some fixers at the Baguio City Land Transportation Office were doing the business for money. Whew! I have been tired of calling the attention of the LTO Office but it seems that they are afflicted of bulag, pipi at bingi syndrome.
***
Traders will be conducting an event at the amusement park, the vacant lot between the Children’s Park and city orchidarium on Dec. 13 to Jan. 2. Dubbed “Christmas at the Park,” the event showcases a food festival, playing of jolly songs with Santa clause roaming around the area giving candies to children and lucky shoppers.

Dinners with serenade and candlelight, games with prizes will also be held for children Aisde from these, there would also be a Christmas fantasy space, concerts, Christmas party on Dec. 25 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. with live band, dance party and more. The area will be lighted with Christmas lights where a snowman will be featured among others. See you there and Merry Christmas!
***
In my next column, I will feature an exclusive expose on misdeeds at the Registry of Deeds in Baguio City. Abangan!

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The Ganza and Solibao fiasco

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

Time and again, we hear and see whistleblowers singing their songs for good but sad to say, only a few stand behind them. They sing a different tune that only nincompoops hear but refuse to listen.

For them, a song could be long and difficult to sing but they have to finish it no matter what, thus we should appreciate them. However, rarely do we knew of government officials blowing the whistle against their co-officials, because oftentimes they prefer to close their eyes, shut their mouth and hear nothing for obvious reasons.

We can count by the fingers officials who have balls to ring the bell against their colleagues, but good to note that we have one in Baguio City to add on this good breed in the city government.

A genuine Ilokano, this former Baguio City councilor who served his term is one among local officials who has good record. Although out from politics, his good attitude stays the same, boosting his sense of social responsibility.

He called the attention of my bubuwit when they happened to meet along Session Road, one afternoon last week, and over a cup of coffee inside a coffee shop along the popular thoroughfare, the former councilor told a story.

He gave my bubuwit copy of a proposed board resolution from the Baguio City Burnham Park Management Authority.

Based from the said document, this proposed board resolution was prepared and adapted on Nov. 25, 2008 resolving the move to conduct public bidding of Solibao and Ganza Restaurants at Burnham Park since the contract of lease between the City Government of Baguio, and spouses Moises and Zenaida Cating, operators of Solibao and Ganza Restaurants had long expired.

Further resolved in the resolution was to task the bids and awards committee to conduct the public bidding while Community Environment Parks Management Office was ordered to immediately prepare the terms and reference for the conduct of its open and competitive bidding.

This was a supposed good and appreciable move by the board but it was a surprise why three out from the 12 members of the board did not sign the proposed board resolution for reasons known only to them.

Solibao and Ganza Restaurants as we know are in a prime location and surely investors would come rushing to file their bids once the bidding pushes through but those three rotten eggs in the city government have taken for granted this appropriate move. This the document was made to eat dust inside the cabinets at City Hall and likely to be thrown in the garbage bin later.

To give you a clue who these three monkeys are, two of them still hold key positions in the city government as department heads while the other one held a top position at city hall during the past administration and he was unlucky he lost in the election.

If the story of the former councilor is true that favors filled the pocket of these three monkeys, then I challenge the new administration of this mountain resort city under Mayor Mauricio Domogan Jr to look into this matter. Matagal na palang tapos ang kontrata, bakit hindi pa pinabidding?

I don’t want to think that this matter would again be placed inside a bottle and covered tightly for the stench not to come out, but we have a saying, “walang baho ang hindi sisingaw.”

The former councilor is now twisting the cap and now ready to open the bottle. As the document lies in silence, this could soon lead to public outcry and legal suits and worst public embarrassment.

Am I right Mr. and Mrs C. as in “Cababain” (shameful) and the three eggs, Mr. RB as in “rotten boss” ( nalaos o nabugok), Mr. LB as in “ little boss” (agin agin) and miss LC as in “lady cashier” (agruprupa nga kwarta)?

Just hang on dear readers and we will be giving you more details and updates in my next columns. Abangan!

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Illegal gambling, rumbles, robberies

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

The recently created peace and order committee in Baguio is a welcome move by Mayor Mauricio Domogan Jr., who thought perhaps that forming a group to make the peace and order situation in this mountain resort city better is the best way to curb criminality.

To recall, just as he assumed office months ago, he formed an anti-illegal gambling group called “Task Force Jupiter” and somehow this group made some accomplishments but not satisfactory as expected. Why?

Because, some people of this supposed anti-gambling group are they themselves the protectors! Don’t we forget that the mayor himself (even if he denied it) was implicated in the illegal numbers game of that once upon a time untouchable jueteng.
The point is, if some appointed members of this peace and order committee are the same people who used to protect those establishments serving liquor, we can expect a committee that could be likely another task force Jupiter.

Last Tuesday at around 12 midnight, I, witnessed a street rumble along Abanao and Shagem streets, believed to be a gang war of youngsters who are members of different fraternities.

As usual, our cops responded t o the incident several minutes after, but funny for they were not able to apprehend any of those involved. Imagine the cops running after those persons running and when they caught them only frisked them then let them walk away freely without even inviting them to a police station for investigation.
***
I have been calling the attention of local authorities regarding the time of operation of liquor establishments at Kayang Hilltop. These establishments should be closed at exactly 9 p.m. but this, I believe is not being followed. It is also a fact that youngsters either are allowed or regularly seen drinking just outside the Junior Kayang Bakery at Kayang Hilltop even early to late evenings.

These youngsters, aside from those who were regular clients of videoke joints at Ermita along Otek St., were among those involved in that said Nov. 16 street fighting incident.

Concerned authorities particularly the permits and licensing division should look after these establishments serving liquor considering that their line of business as listed in their business permits, are restaurants or plain coffee shops.

Take for example those establishments along Abanao and streets and establishments at the rooftop of Maharlika business center building. These establishments I was informed, were causing too much headache to policemen assigned in these areas.

Why they were allowed to serve liquor is a question to those nincompoops at the city hall. After all they could also be the ones appointed as members to this newly created peace and order committee. How is it, ladies and gentlemen of the committee? What position did you commit yourselves on the matter? The position to protect the interest of the few? Just asking.
***
How true is it that there is illegal gambling going on at City Camp Central just beside the barangay health center, according to my bubuwit, who received information from his informant that madjong was rampant on this joint and games of poker were also being played?

If this were true, then where are the operatives of Task Force Jupiter? Does the honorable councilor Joel Alangsab know this? If he doesn’t, how come, when he lives near that area? Well, as they say everything is possible to settle under the sun, Hehehe.
***
Is it true that the jai-alai joint along km 3 in La Trinidad, Benguet is being used as a front for the illegal numbers game jueteng? I could only say that the jueteng operators are really smart, but I believe the officials in government positions who are protecting this illegal activity are smarter. Why?

Besides making this illegal activity legal, they are also saving their faces in the eyes of the public and are likewise saving money from SOPs. Sila na lamang ang puwedeng makinabang. Dalawang ibon sa isang putok. Whew!
***
The recent robbery wherein the offices of steno and clerical division and councilors Elmer Datuin, Ysabel de Vera and Nicasio Palaganas located at the west wing 2nd floor of Baguio City Hall were ransacked is an incident that placed local officials and the police in an embarrassing situation.

But the main point of investigation should be on the security agency that handles the security of city hall building, which is the Interlink Management Security Corp.
With the reported terrorist groups having entered the Philippines, it is alarming that a simple robbery was not detected on a prime government building which is a stone’s throw away from a police headquarters.

Whether the explanation of the security agency was justified or not, it is more appropriate for concerned officials to get into the bottom of this matter and let the concerned agencies, government or not held responsible if found guilty. Paano na kung bomba ang naipasok sa City Hall, nakakahiya!

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Mayor chides reporter, lawyer over jueteng

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

I should not be writing about jueteng these days but my bubuwit who happened to be in Binalonan Pangasinan to visit a friend several days ago had this story.

According to him, he was there when he learned that several National Bureau of Investigation agents from Tayug, Pangasinan raided a ricefield in Binalonan where an alleged jueteng draw was being held.

He was wondering why an enforcement agency from another town was doing an operation in Binalonan. To know the real score, he asked questions from residents and told ueteng in their area was just a normal activity.

Raids were also but a normal thing happening every month obviously for the public to believe that authorities were doing their job. But most residents there believe that the raids were only moro-moro – all for show.

According to my bubuwit, jueteng routine is for operators to rest for a month after the moro-moro show and again resume operation after a clearance or an apparent blessing from those in position to give that thumbs up sign.

Another story of my bubuwit that made my body feel like a volcanic ready to erupt, was a story told him about a reporter who was beaten black and blue right there at the middle of the rice field while the said reporter was trying to get evidence by shooting a picture of an ongoing jueteng draw.

To add insult to injury, the reporter and his lawyer were humiliated by the mayor of that town when the reporter filed his complaint at the Municipal Justice Hall. This mayor, accordingly, is a cousin of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

If all of these stories told to my bubuwit are true, then I think the new administration of this Banana Republic should look into this matter of concern to the province where jueteng whistle blower retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz belongs to.

Nevertheless, I still salute the retired archibishop for his courage in naming names of alleged protectors of this illegal numbers game, but I would be more to appreciative of him if he can name this top official in his province who is perceived to be a jueteng protector before the senators conducting the jueteng probe. Iurge him to visit those rice fields at Binalonan for additional evidence.
***
This lady fiscal who is supposed to be assisting her client in the prosecution of a case filed before a trial court should be enlightened more of what she is mandated to perform before a justice proceeding.

A woman who is supposed to be the prime prosecution witness being the complainant of an estafa case was disappointed by this lady prosecutor when the latter questioned her personality to file the complaint in front of the judge handling the case during a hearing session.

Holy cow, this lady fiscal perhaps forgot that she is a public prosecutor and the people of the Philippines are her clients. Don’t she tell me that she is not convinced of the resolution made by her co-prosecutor, otherwise I would be thinking that she is a plain boba or pretending to be.

Money received for a supposed service not performed or done is clear estafa no matter where that money came from. The rule is, whoever gave the money and the person being offered for the service not performed has all the right to demand remedies that would compensate the amount of money lost whether she owns it or not, understood?

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Flying voters

Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY -- Aside from motorists and pedestrians who lack discipline, one factor for the worsening flow of traffic along Harrison Road in this city are hard-headed jeep drivers of Trancoville and Aurora Hill who are making the intersection of Harrison and Lower Mabini Road their loading terminal.

I wonder why traffic enforcers deployed in that area are allowing these jeeps to park and wait for their passengers causing undue traffic obstruction at Harrison. Perhaps city police traffic management division chief Engelbert Soriano could look unto this matter, right Apo Soriano? Pakibusisi!
***
The recently held barangay and snagguniang kabataan election had some untoward events that led to the filling of protests and complaints at the Commission on Elections. I was at the Baguio Central School to observe the election when I noticed complaints flooding the voting precinct of Barangay AZCKO.

There were instances that some voters were surprised to know that some persons already voted for them. It was also a wonder that some persons were allowed to enter the precinct with campaign materials on hand, when there were cops and Comelec deputized officers guarding the entrance and perimeter of the voting precincts.

From my previous column, I called the attention of lawyer Elenita Tabangin, local Comelec chief to look into a reported 60 Muslim flying voters in a barangay in the central business district.

I also don’t know how alleged flying voters were able to slip into precincts to vote for this punong barangay candidate who won overwhelmingly on his barangay. Well. it’s politics and these rookie politicos are learning much from these pulpulliticos. Who could be the next political student to step into the arena? Those sangguniang kabataan candidates and the victors?

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Grease money for Baguio cops

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY – Candidates for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan are getting more active with elections set tomorrow. Candidates whom you have seldom seen are now appearing to make their presence felt every minute as if they are your best friends ready to help and serve you at any hour of the day.

But lo and behold, where were they the past months and years or even weeks before the campaign period? They didn’t even say hello when you crossed paths with them. Nowadays, they seem not to get tired of their long storytelling. Whew, that is what we call the art of politics and it’s only the basics in learning for a good start by these rookie politicos.
***
There are reports that a certain barangay within the central business district of Baguio wherein there are at least 60 Muslim flying voters ready to vote in favor of a candidate for a reelectionist punong narangay.

This punong varangay is known to be a bata bata of a top city official and who uses his power and money to lure Muslim traders, reason why he won the position and now seemingly is doing it again.

I urge Attorney Elenita Tabangin, city Commission on elections supervisor to implement strict measures at the polling places to screen flying voters. The voting public should also be alert and vigilant. Baka maraming aswang o multo ang magiging botante sa mga presinto.
***
This is to warn senior citizens of Baguio particularly US veterans and their benefactors to be careful of persons pretending to be legitimate facilitators of US veterans’ benefits and asking for big amounts for the supposed job.

Reports have it that a syndicate is doing their duping scheme and had been victimized a lot of veterans who frequent Malcolm square. I challenge officials of the veterans association of the Philippines, Baguio City chapter to look into this matter and go after these people who use this modus operandi to gain money. Kawawa naman ang ating mga lolo at lola na niloloko lang ng mga manloloko.
***
According to my bubuwit, these gambling joints along Hilltop and Hanger Market still exist. One is found inside Rhendels Bakery at Kayang Hilltop and the other one is inside Day and Nite near the intersection of Hanger Market and Lower Magsaysay Road.

They play the games of pusoy or majong while the one at Three Brothers in the intersections of Zamora St. and Hanger Market play bingo games. The reason why, according to my bubuwit, that these joints were not having a problem of being mabulabog, is that they are giving protection money to the police.

Is this true chief superintendent David Lacdan of the Baguio City Police Office? Attention also, Task Force Jupiter, Alam niyo ba ito? If not, ano pa ang hinihintay ninyo?
***
That scam incident wherein a foreign Dutch national was the victim is a big blow to the tourism industry and a stumbling block to lure investors to Baguio. The sad story was told to the media people during a simple press conference at the Baguio Palace Hotel by the foreigner victim.

Although the case was already filed at the Baguio City Justice Hall, it is just proper for concerned authorities to look into this matter of concern. Scams using the internet is becoming prevalent these days.
***
My good friend Anthony Araos who is a fellow columnist wishes to extend his greetings through this column to Noemi Rillera Sanchez of Middle Quezon Hill Barangay and Donna Bito of Middle Quezon Hill Barangay. Kumusta raw kayo?

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Rudy P. Garcia Illegal structures

BULL’S HIT

BAGUIO CITY -- Acting on the information that some illegal structures are being constructed along Rimando Road in this city, we took some spare time with my bubuwit to visit the area with the permission of some barangay officials of ABCR barangay where these structures are under their durisdiction.

We took pictures on these structures wondering why they were allowed to be constructed despite the fact that they were on the road right of way. Aside from this, these posed danger to occupants near the creek.

At the ABCR barangay office, we asked these questions to the officials who were present including their punong barangay Rodolfo P. Benitez. They presented to us some documents to show they did something to put a stop on these illegal structures.

To clear matters better, I went personally at the office of the city buildings and architecture office at DPSI compound. They also claimed that the matter of concern was not under their Jurisdiction since they already did appropriate actions to stop the structures.

The CBAO officials claimed they already sent three notices to owners of these structures without building permits but these were ignored, hence, the matter was transmitted to the city legal office.

Sources have it that at present, these three illegal structures have different status. The structure nearest to the barangay hall has a pending “injunction” case at a trial court in Baguio and is now on archive.

I hope the ABCR barangay official who is the complainant has the will to follow up the case. The reason perhaps that this case was archived was because of their laxity or lack for it to follow this up.

It is the same with the case which is now pending at the city legal office. If the claim of the ABCR barangay captain which he revealed to us, that a top official of Baguio talked and told him to be slow on these illegal structures is true, then I wonder no more why these structures despite clear violation of the law still stand and their owners having no fear of being ordered to stop construction by authorities.

Believe it or not but often times squatting problems are caused by delay or non- enforcement of executive orders because of judicial court intervention or if not those pulpuliticos who are protecting these professional squatters.

I wonder when the executive and judicial departments would come to agreement not to cross each other’s borders when it comes to squatting problems. Could this be easily said than done because of politics?

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A time for denials

BULL’S HIT
Rudy P. Garcia

It seems that this now a time for denials -- everyone accused of bad deny with the main characters starting to give ideas on what roles they portray and end up with the heroes or heroines of the story defeating the kontrabidas.

This time it’s the real true story for every Juan de la Cruz to watch from the sideline. The characters are now starting to come out and it’s not yet clear who the bidas are or kontrabidas. And we tune on events now that we have new administration.

Starting on the case of the Ampatuan clans and their cohorts deny committing the alleged crimes accused to them. A witness of the prosecution claims that the Ampatuans gave millions in bribe to government and police officials. Then former secretary Jesus Pureza denies receiving bribes from the Ampatuans.

Then here comes the issue on jueteng payola…thanks to former archbishop Cruz who started to whistle. I believe that he means to blow his whistle seriously this time when he blew hard that some officials went on to hide covering their ears upon hearing the noise from the whistle which these officials tried their best to cover.

Their sound of silence is deafening our ears on the issue of jueteng. The new PNP chief denies receiving money from jueteng. Batangas governor denies the same and here comes the Bgauio city mayor denying to have received jueteng money and claims that there is no jueteng in Baguio but admitted to have had some apprehensions of jueteng under his area of jurisdiction.

Perhaps Task Force Jupiter which he himself created would do their job in eradicating all illegal forms of gambling including jueten -- no sacred cows this time including their “boss.”

If they do good their job, then this story perhaps would end up as a better story to watch than the past stories whose main characters are best described as comedy cartoons.
***
Although some of my friends and relatives are raising their eyebrows on Domogan on the issue of jueteng, it should be fair to say that the good mayor is doing a good job in cleaning and bringing back Baguio’s image as the cleanest city.

Everyone could see the improvements that have been done by the good mayor. The city market and the surrounding city business district are now becoming clean and orderly. Roads, alleys, sidewalks and even overpasses are now being cleared from ambulant vendors, criminal elements like pickpockets, snatchers and holduppers are now fearing of losing their dirty income because of police visibility.

No more piles of garbage to rot seen on our public roads, alleys and sidewalks. Baguio city is now becoming good to smell and see. I also salute the alay sa kalinisan for doing a good job, now I can proudly say that I am a truly Baguio blooded boy!
***
Seemingly, there is again a job being done by people whom I may have hurt out to demolish this writer. Some of my friends and colleagues in media are telling me that there are news circulating in and out from the circle that I am protecting a bar that is known to be haven of unwanted persons and minors that doesn’t have even a business permit.

Some say I own one bar along the stretch of Marcos Highway. Holy cow, how can I, when I could not even afford to put up a low investment sari-sari store? Well, I challenge those who are saying that I am the protector of any bar. Name the bar they are saying and if I myself find violations committed by this bar, then surely will report and file complaints to authorities.

However, if what they are doing is only to destroy me, then I urge them to be man enough to come out and talk to me. Demolition job? Sorry sir, but you cannot put a good man down. Period!

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Killer usok, gambling, business permits, etc

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

I really regret to miss writing my column of this newspaper last week. I blame it on a public utility jeepney spewing killer usok from its tambutso I happened to inhale while walking along lower Zandueta St. one afternoon, I also saw some passersby covering their noses to avoid inhaling the dirty smoke. I had some difficulty breathing that night and got sick for almost three days.

I was happy to know that authorities acted on smoke belching vehicles a week ago, but I still wonder why there are still plenty of those vehicles with killer usok running on our public roads.

If the Department of Transportation and Communication is really serious on its campaign to eradicate smoke belching, I don’t see any reason for even one vehicle spewing dirty smoke to roam freely on the streets.

Take for example here in the city of Baguio. A person who stands for few minutes along sidewalks near the roads going up Session and SM, Abanao and extension just beside fire department, Bokawkan, lower General Luna, lower Magsaysay, etcetera, could surely list these smoke belching vehicles without no need to have a smoke testing machine to determine if a smoke he inhales is harmful or not.

What about this, DOTC-CAR regional director Federico “Bong” Mandapat, Sir?
***
I was impressed by the privilege speech delivered by newcomer Baguio city councilor Edison Bilog before the city council last Sept. 13. His speech was in tagalong, so simple but full of sense.

He tackled the problems being encountered by the city. In fact, I can say that he did better than some of his colleagues when he read his speech and presented his proposed resolutions to prove that he is not only talking, but means to do something for good.

Well it’s also a first time to note that a councilor identifies and names some illegal gambling dens or poker joints operating in the city of Baguio. Perhaps he will also identify and name where jueteng operators and stations in the city. I salute the good councilor; he started good and hopes he end up better if not the best. Sige tamaan mo sila apo councilor Ed Bilog!
***
May I ask local authorities in the city of Baguio who really owns the 3rd and 2nd floor of Rillera Building, located at Zandueta St., at the city market? A source told me that the Rillera building was proclaimed “condemned” right after it suffered structural damages caused by the killer earthquake last July 16, 1990 and after three persons accordingly claiming to be representatives of vendors association in the market were given verbal blessings by then and now Mayor Mauricio Domogan to clean and maintain the 2nd and 3rd floors of Rillera building for a period of seven years.

Now, many are wondering why these persons (minus one who already died) continue to lease and collect money for the premises until now when they were only given seven years. It’s almost more or less 20 years now and yet no one among city officials seems interested in digging up this issue.

Well, perhaps this building is now on their drawing board after the demolition of block 3 at Hilltop market. As councilor Edison Bilog said, development is good if this is not done in haste. It should also be done in good faith and should I also say, development is good if this is done in good faith and not by the color of money.
***
Is it true that an employee under the public order and safety division at Baguio City is facilitating the business permit of videoke bars just a stone’s throw away from the regional jail management office and Baguio city police office?

These establishments are now operating without permits and it could be difficult for them to secure one unless they shift line of business from videoke to restaurant as the case maybe.

These establishments have become “untouchable” because of some people in the government who are in position to protect them. If videoke establishments at Abanao St., could have their business permits despite the prohibited distance of serving liquor or violation of liquor zoning ordinance, then perhaps it is true that this employee at POSD who is reported to be a close relative of a top city official and a powerful official at the permits and licensing office is behind the issuance of their permits. Tama ba ako po ginoong L as in luko-luko?
***

I wonder why the authorities could not put a stop or even send to jail people who employ deceiving tactics to promote marketing or sales for their products.
Years ago, I was nearly a victim of this scheme while window shopping at Cooyesan plaza along Naguillan Road in Baguio.

An agent of a marketing establishment approached me and told that I just won an appliance among their giveaway promos of their anniversary celebration. He invited me to their show room so I could see the said appliance. From there another female who seemed to be their supervisor made sweet and convincing talk. I was glued at my seat listening to them.

However when I told them that I was going home and about to get the appliance I won, they refused to hand it and instead told me that I have to buy first the required appliances on sale at their show room. Holy cow, the amount of appliances ranged from P50,000 to P150,000. Whew, I knew I am not that rich to buy any of those appliances!

Four days ago, a friend of my cousin complained about a similar incident. This time he was made to pay more or less P 13,000.00 with a balance of a big amount from a marketing company at Abanao Square.

When he went to file his complain at the barangay and the police, it was found out that many have also been a victim of this kind of scam and it’s a wonder why these people who were taught to fool other people continue to roam freely, looking for their next victims.

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Gambling, cops, PLDT mess and fuel stations

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY --At least, it’s good news to know that Baguio city mayor Mauricio Domogan Jr. has thought of creating a group that would entirely focus its operation on illegal gambling in Baguio.

The task force he now chairs called “Jupiter” ss now on the watch by sectors who are tired up of swarming gambling dens and the so called unstoppable jueteng. If the good mayor means business this time and makes good in going after operators of these illegal gambling joints and numbers games, then I could see those three witches clapping their hands in joy for him at least for this time.

But if he is only doing this just for “papogi points,” then expect hits that could even go under his belt by these friendly witches of the new local administration. Well, I have seen these witches hound leaders either for better or worse.

Task Force Jupiter should think big for we are watching and people believe what they see. It is now their turn to hit right the spinning wheel. Start right by following the Malacanang order to stop jueteng and others will follow, then we could probably say that this city is truly a gambling tree city. Cheers?
***
Everyone is talking about the hostage-taking incident in Manila, while some of my friends at the city market are talking about the operation of compact 1 station 7 BCPO policemen against those vendors at upper Ist Kayang St. last Aug. 24 at 11:30 a.m.

They wonder why these cops only apprehended and confiscated the goods of the vendors in that area only and did not include ambulant vendors selling at neighboring areas including those near their office at Bamarva.

Funny though, since some vendors accordingly redeemed their goods at their office and paid the penalty thereof where it was found out that the violation written in the receipt was jay walking instead of violation of the anti-peddling ordinance.

Did the vendors cross the streets of no jaywalking signs while selling perhaps? Or did they run while scampering to save their goods from the pursuing cops? These vendors said they were just selling their goods at their usual areas when cops arrived and confiscated their goods.

Holy cow. If these vendors are telling the truth, then it’s no wonder that every Juan de la Cruz distrusts the police. Jaywalking? Unbelievable!!
***
I wonder why up now, no action was done by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone, Co. in Baguio city on a complaint brought before them by a woman resident of Aurora Hill.

Despite her old age, she still made effort to go to their office and reported the matter of unreasonable cutting off her landline four months ago. According to the complaint, she was surprised to learn that her telephone service was cut despite paying religiously and was not also given due notice by the company.

If this is true then what could be their company senior manager doing? Is he busy attending this matter or just waiting for the Christmas season to come? Tablan naman sana kayo ng hiya!
***
I don’t mind businesses of others especially if these are legal, but this matter which my bubwit discovered lately through his sources is a matter of concern oil companies should look upon.

Accordingly, there are persons who are selling crude oil and gasoline much lower as compared to prices at gasoline stations. First I heard from my bubwit is the alleged unauthorized selling of low prized crude and gasoline at Sablan, Benguet.

The oil accordingly were taken from delivery trucks coming from Manila for delivery in Baguio where some were being refilled on containers along Marcos Highway and Naguillian Road.

Sources of my bubwit have indentified to us other areas of selling points in Rimando Road and M. Roxas St. at Brookside.

If this is legitimate and authorized, then perhaps the legitimate oil business companies are in a better position to have this clarified and urge the authorities to investigate. For sure the main source of the supply would not want or allow nor authorize anybody to do refilling out from his or her delivery for if he or she catches anyone doing it he or she knows totally that the culprit is guilty of the anti-pilferage law.

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Stealing the thunder from Naguillan accident

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY -- In the limelight is the hostage taking incident at Quirino Grandstand in Manila. It overshadowed the bus tragedy at Sablan, Benguet.

Perhaps the operators of the Eso-Nice bus at least can rest their mind in the meantime. They should be thankful to the now dead former cop, the hostage taker. He took away the heat from the Naguillan accident.

But most Filipinos are not happy with the hostage crisis -- a big black eye to the country. They blame the government for inefficiency in handling the situation. Government officials meanwhile blame each other for the unwanted scenario. The SWAT team looked like neophytes in a battle field pitted against a one man army ready to crush people in his hands.

More funny is that some intelligent officials tried to steal the limelight by blaming the media for the failure of the hostage negotiation. What went wrong it seems, was the outrage of the hostage taker because of the arrest of his brother.

Now those who arrested him are claiming they only followed an order from their superior. The superior meanwhile claims a Manila mayor ordered the arrest, which the later denied he did. No written order, no proof.

Well things come and go. But this hostage crisis could mean that tourists who may want to come for a business or pleasure in this Banana Republic will have to think twice or more before doing so…perhaps in doubt over their security and protection…and I bet this is now causing much headaches among heads of the Tourism department and likewise to businessmen who would be greatly affected by the domino effect. Still optimistic? Brace yourself.
***
More and more children are being addicted to computers. The computer business is among the booming businesses in Baguio. These children oftentimes are seen in computer or internet shops even during late evenings not for their school research but for playing online games. So what are the local officials doing to regulate this? The irony is, their children are not among those seen in these internet cafes. For some, they may not know it but their children could be at the computer shops playing games at daytime.

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Arrogant taxi driver,inefficient bocap, etc

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

What went wrong for a bus to crash into a deep ravine along Naguillian road in Banangan Sablan, Benguet? Is it mechanical failure or a human error? Perhaps investigators could find some leads among the few passengers who survived.

It is a wonder why such an incident happened in broad daylight and good weather morning of August 18. Or could it be true that the said bus enroute to Ilocos from Baguio happened to meet a speeding car that nearly caused a collision if not for the driver of the mini bus who avoided the car which caused him to lose control of the steering wheel?

Same source also told me that when the passengers sensed that the vehicle was already running out of control they shouted in panic telling the driver to stop the vehicle.

I had so many experiences in the past when I nearly had accidents because of speeding vehicles on highways. Some drivers are reckless in driving they overtake others even encroaching the other lane unmindful of the safety of others.

Perhaps the reason of this attitude by some drivers is the low punishment given to them by our authorities. Imagine these drivers only being given a seminar for a day or two as penalty for their violation? Holy cow! Another thing to note is that national highways like Naguillian Road don’t have highway patrol personnel to monitor the whole stretch of the road. Not even a single checkpoint!
***
The police inspector in Tondo, Manila who tortured a suspect inside a police precinct deserves to suffer the pain he did to the poor chap and if it is true that there were more willing to surface claiming they were also victims of this cop, then the pain equivalent to what these people had endured should also be done to this stupid police inspector.

Surely, most if not everyone would agree that his relief or plain dismissal is not enough punishment for his barbaric acts. His men who tolerated the act should also be punished. This is now the break for the new Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Rosales. There should be no sacred cows in her investigation, period!
***
The driver of the Abanza Taxi with plate no. AVR 416 deserves a whipping on the ass because of his recklessness and arrogance. According to my bubwit the complainant, a certain Dennis Chuahi, told him that he (Mr. Chuahi) was driving their family private vehicle , a Toyota corolla with plate no. UPK-195 when the driver of Abanza Taxi tried to overtake him along the road between the Sunshine Park UP and SM.

Chuahi accordingly did not give way knowing it is not an “emergency” for him to do so. Besides, he was driving at normal speed, and this could have earned the ire of the taxi driver, the reason perhaps that when they both reached Harrison Road, besides the SSS office in Baguio, the driver blocked the Toyota Corolla Chuahi was driving and immediately with a lead pipe in hand alighted from the taxi and challenged Chuahi to a fight.

However, Chuahi did not react but just ignored the arrogant taxi driver. Well, perhaps this incident is again a wake up call to the land transportation office in Bgauio City and the LTFRB-DOTC-CAR! This driver deserves punishment to the fullest!
***
Is it true that the barangay officer-in charge of Kagitingan, Acsanie Datu-Imam is doing nothing to stop those Muslims selling pirated CDs DVDs and “mysterious” cellphones under his area of jurisdiction?

According to my bubwit, it is seemingly true, for in fact, reports keep on reaching him of the negative attitude of this bocap- in-charge. An example is an incident where a person complained to a seller about the cellphone he bought. But the vendor, instead of explaining, shouted at the complaining buyer that resulted to fistfight and accordingly, his fellow vendors came and helped in mauling the poor guy.

Worst, the said OIC who was supposed to pacify and apprehend the attackers, he being a top official of the barangay did not lift a finger and tolerated the acts of his fellow Muslims.
Attention councilor Joel Alangsab, Baguio City ABC president and the barangay affairs office, could you please investigate this reported matter of concern?
***
Many are complaining of the recent re-routing of public utility jeepneys plying Aurora Hill and Trancoville. Most affected were students and teachers of University of the Cordilleras, University of the Philippines, and Baguio National High School, Likewise commuters bound for Bonifacio Street, Leonard Wood, SM, NBI, DSWD, BIR, etc.

While it is true that the local Government is doing every means to improve our traffic situation, it is a disgust to note that it is going for the worst instead. I pity those students walking far to reach their respective schools because of this nonsense rerouting again.

When will our intelligent officials stop doing experiments to ease the traffic problem kuno? Hay, it makes everyones blood to boil and worst, pity the drivers who are made to pay the penalty for not following the new rerouting scheme! Dyan sila magagaling, ang manghuli sa mga hindi nakakaalam sa kanilang ginawang kapalpakan! Whew! How much? Err.. I mean, how much did they collect from those drivers?!

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Officials of integrity

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry in Baguio City deserves my full hand salute particularly their regional director Myrna Pablo and Sam Gallardo, both lawyers.

After I called their attention in this column regarding a complaint brought to us against one of their employees, the good director, as I was informed conducted a quick investigation on the matter. Matter of fact, the employee which I did not even mention by name, immediately called me up through my cell phone and showed me some documents that could justify her explanation and I am quite convinced that the said employee just had the same fate as the complainant.

Nevertheless, the said complaint too was dismissed and complainant filled a motion for a reconsideration which is now pending at the city prosecutors office, and I am in no position to give or even share my opinion regarding the case for it could be prejudicial, but somehow, it makes me happy to know that we still have government officials like Pablo at DTI who don’t let complaints or reports sleep or turn to dust at their desks. We need more of Atty. Myrna Pablo at DTI. Mabuhay ka! Mabuhay ang DTI-CAR!
***
Is it true that some police auxiliaries based at compact 4, of police Station 7 are doing rounds of apprehending vendors of poodles along Session Road after which they take home the puppies?
If this is true, then we don’t only have “hulldapers” but also dognappers who roam around to boost their collection of puppies. These enforcers are really smart they are just like those branded products like the three-in-one promos. Pati uken dida pay pakawanen!
***
I am happy to know that my good friend Elpidio P. Donggayao of the public order and safety division under the city mayor’s office was nominated as an outstanding employee of the month for the city government of Baguio first level 2010. If I were to choose, he should be the one deserving to receive the top award among my friends who are employed in the local government of Baguio.

Among from rank and file or high level positions, he is known as honest, hardworking, dependable and has leadership and is not corrupt. I wish him good luck and if he is lucky enough, then he owes me one bottle Alfonso Brandy. Take it away Pare Pidyong!

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Kapalpakan of cops BWD, Piltel and DTI

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

I wonder why these policemen who should implement laws are themselves going against their colleagues who fail to implement the same. Take this case at those videoke bars at Kayang and Hilltop who should be stopping operation of these liquor dens at exactly 9 p.m.

Some policemen came to us complaining why their fellow cops at Compac 1 are not enforcing strictly the said curfew hour and that what they would like to happen is for us to call the attention of their police chief Supt. Roberto Soriano.

Holy cow! I thought there are many of these kinds only in the field of politics I didn’t know there are also characters like these in the police force. At any rate, I would like to call the attention of BCPO chief Soriano to please check the said report of these liquor establishments at Kayang and Hilltop who operate exceeding much their allowed operating hours. Many incidents of streets brawls started from these establishments. Sampolan mo sila hepe!
***
Right after I wrote in this column about those pickpockets and snatchers who do their illegal trade at Zandueta St. and Hilltop, Soriano ordered an all-out operation on the said areas and he himself personally supervised his men in going after these mandurukots and isnatsers. I am now starting to believe that the good chief means business, thus he deserves my two hands salute. Kudos sa iyo hepe!
***
A female friend at Baguio City hall canteen complained to us regarding the kapalpakan of the Baguio Water District. According to her, they did not receive any bill from BWD for almost three months and when they received it recently, they were surprised they had to pay the whooping amount of P6,000 on that day, otherwise their water service would be cut off.

They went to BWD office to complain but they were instead told to pay at least P4,000 to avoid disconnection. Of course P4,000 is not a small amount to produce in an instance, so the family of the lady had no other choice but to suffer the effects of no water because their meter was disconnected.

Perhaps this government water agency overlooked the bills and didn’t send these to the lady on a monthly basis. The question is why they did not entertain or consider the complaint of the lady. Well, maybe they need cash for their good services, even if it means having their clients suffer for their ineptitude. Maawa naman kayo. Another office being complained about to us is the Philippine Telephone Company in Baguio by an old woman who claimed she was made a stupid. Baguio. Accordingly she went to Piltel to inform them that her smart land phone is not working for weeks but she was told that it was already cut off for a long time, much to her surprise, since she has no obligation nor unpaid bills from the said company considering she did not receive any notice that her telephone would be cut off.

We have been receiving the same complaints from the past and I wonder why this kind of inefficiency is not corrected. Ano ba naman kayo diyan sa Piltel-Baguio? Can you not do public service better? Mahiya naman kayo! If it is true that this lady employee of the Department of Trade and Industry in Baguio City used her capacity as a government employee in entering into a transaction and organized a trade fair at Alaminos Pangasinan, then she should be suspended or even dismissed for violating the revised penal code and Department of Interior and Local Government Code that government employees, whether elected or appointed are prohibited from doing such activities or transactions.

Her immediate superior should initiate disciplinary action on this employee unless her boss or superiors gave her blessings for her to do so. If this is the case, then I could guess that there are some who partook of the pie. Wanna guess?

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Domogan quick fix /A demolition story

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

If you happen to visit the Baguio City Hall nowadays, you could see the system of public service has improved. Perhaps, the credit goes to returning mayor Mauricio Domogan, but there is still a long way to go and changes could happen. If the good mayor makes good his promise of good governance until his term expires, then he deserves a full hand salute, but if he falls back to ningas kugon attitude then, he would surely be a client character of my column……

Adding credit to Domogan’s accomplishments is his fast action on my expose regarding an alleged hulidap by unidentified men believed to be authorities. Two weeks ago a vendor approached us and related his ordeal. Accordingly about three to four persons all male, went to his place where he sells several items at the sidewalk in front of Maharlika Building and started inspecting his wares.

He could do nothing but watch them thinking these men went to inspect and confiscate his wares but much to his surprise, they only got his laptop worth around P4,000. Luckily his co-vendors were able to get the plate number of the gate away vehicle of the hulidapers.

When I wrote the story in my column, I was informed by an insider that the city mayor read it and immediately ordered an investigation, and in just a matter of a day or two, the laptop was returned to the vendor. As a cue, the action of the mayor now serves as a warning to those who are filling their pockets at the expense of the poor vendors. They really have to mend their ways! The city mayor could really mean business. Kuwidaw.
***

Just recently, an old woman and her daughter came to us seeking help perhaps to pray miracles to save their house from being demolished by the city buildings and architecture office demolition team. I explained to them that I am just a plain columnist and could do nothing to stop the demolition, but as I watched the eyes of the old woman who started to cry, my heart dictated my mouth to say “yes” I will help you.

I asked for the documents, and when I assessed them, I was somewhat convinced that their lawyer did not do well to protect them as clients. Sensing that only miracles would save their shelter they stayed in for almost 30 years.

I recommended another lawyer to do the job, but the lawyer said frankly that chances are slim, so the said lady lawyer and a lawyer partner filed a motion to lift /reconsider the dismissal order and to maintain status quo/ and stay the demolition.

Before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 5, Baguio City where the demolition would be enforced, the office of the CBAO was properly furnished the motion including lawyers of other concerned parties. So, the following day of July 21, the hearing started at 9 a.m. with the presence of lawyers from all parties including the lawyer of the old woman.

Accordingly, the judge hearing the case could only give 10 days for the old woman and family to voluntarily vacate their house, which an undertaking by all partners was made. But the funny thing is that while the court proceedings were ongoing, the old husband of the old woman came rushing inside the courtroom saying that their house was presently being demolished.

I am not a lawyer but this made me wonder why the demolition went on while hearing was going on. An absurdity of nature, but then, the act of the demolition would perhaps have rendered the court order moot and academic?

Worst, the 20 thousand cash money of the old couple placed inside one of the drawers in their cabinet was reportedly missing. I am not saying that the demolition team got the money, but I may say that I believe more on the old couple who really cried in front of us.

Well, as the saying goes, the law is harsh but it’s the law, and compassion doesn’t go along with the law, so where are the advocates of human rights if I may ask?

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Chop-chop victim;abusive cops

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY --The successive incidents of chop-chop bodies found separately on different areas here made my knees tremble. I do guess some of our peace-loving citizens feel the same.

Perhaps it was coincidental these happened when Chief Supt. Soriano assumed as city police chief. Some say this is a new challenge to the new chief who should not be taking this merciless kind of killing as a simple crime to solve.

The fate of the investigation however should not only be relied upon alone on the police but the community. It is the responsibility of every Juan De La Cruz to help authorities by giving information that could be used in identifying the suspects.

It is understood if witnesses seldom testify for fear of their life and also for their families. But come to think of it, if we allow these criminals to roam around freely, then we are like letting loose mad dogs ready to bite into pieces their next victim.

It is now in everyone’s conscience to realize the right choice, What if you or a member of your family would be the next victim?
***
How true that a certain alyas “Boy” from Kayang St. who is a known “Perya Boy” is planning to put up a “oeryahan” at Lower Magsaysat Avenue, formerly Rabbit Sinkhole just few meters away if not beside the barangay hall?

According to reports reaching my bubuwit, a certain “ Robert “ who is allegedly close to Mayor Mauricio Domogan is the one facilitating the permit to operate the said planned peryahan.

If it’s true, then another peryahan would again be standing right at the tip of the noses of these barangay officials at Lower Magsaysay, unless their punong barangay wants to stand up and clear the issue. Ano say mo apo kapitan Amagen totoo ba ito o hindi?
***
The shooting of a local macho dancer in Baguio along Naguilian Rd. right in front of adjacent beer houses and gay bars should be a wakeup call to local authorities who are mandated to regulate night establishments.

I remember then, former city Mayor Braulio Yaranon issued an administrative order to regulate these establishments, but it was noted that they only strictly implemented this at the beginning thus the campaign slowly died a natural death.

What happened to the zoning ordinance and the liquor ordinance? Go ask those sanamagans at the permits and licensing division office at city hall and perhaps they would answer “cash-satnu ngay ket ada gamin cash-sunduan da!”
***
If you happen to pass along Kayang or Zandueta St. in Baguio, be careful of anyone who tries to be close or trail you, because you could be another victim of pickpockets, These pickpockets and snatchers use a certain area beside Avon store at Zandueta Street, fronting Hilltop Block as their stand by area. Their modus operandi is that they spot a possible victim and if they succeed in getting the victims’ wallets, bags or cellphones, they run inside for cover at block three while their companions would stand by at Avons sas lookouts.

But hey, is it true that some policemen are in cahoots with these pickpockets and snatchers? Witnesses say they see policemen in civilian clothes going to the area not to arrest the suspects but apparently to get their lagay or Also, who is this “Alyas Oalito” who is a former city policeman who is allegedly protecting the leader of this group of pickpockets and snatchers at Kayang Street, Hilltop and Zandueta Street? Well, perhaps, I have given the authorities too much lead for them to act now, and if they could not, then your guess is as good as mine!!
***
A vendor came to us to complain about three unidentified men on board a red van with plate no. GXK 374. He claims these men went to his place where he sells his wares in front of Maharlika Byulding, Lower Magsaysay and immediately and got his laptop worth P 3,500.00 pesos.

Thinking that they are authorities who apprehend ambulant vendors, he could do nothing but watch these sanamagans get away and luckily his neighboring vendors were able to jot down the plate no. of the getaway vehicle. If the suspects are authorities then this is a clear act of robbery or in a better sense of word a hulidap.

Attention all peace enforcers kindly check if the suspects are your kabaro. Colleaques or not, they should be investigated and put behind bars. Period!

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Illegal structures,unruly drivers

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

BAGUIO CITY -- The illegal structure which houses a billiard establishment and boarding houses at Zamora St. , near Hanger Market had been the subject of numerous complaints by residents and barangay officials in the area because of frequent trouble, drunkenness of their clients, loud noises at night. Illegal gambling in the building was finally stopped when this was dismantled and demolished by the city buildings and architecture office last June 10 and 11.

The demolition was based on a court order issued by Judge Edilberto Claravall of the regional trial court, first judicial region branch 60 in the City of Baguio consolidating a demolition order issued by then former city mayor Jaime Bugnosen way back in 1989. It took almost 20 years to implement the demolition order considering the structure was illegally built on a private titled lot. Whew! I could imagine how much the lawyers earned from this case.

The billiard hall from that structure has been operating without any business permit and I wonder why. I want City Hall and barangay officials to tell me why. Is the owner or the lawyer more smart than you people? I could say that the lawyer of the owner is not too much of a smart lady. She is short in giving good practical advice to her client.

I say sayang to the sturdy structure housing the boarding houses only to be torn down. If she only told her client to talk to the legitimate lot owner then the structure could have been saved.

At any rate, everything has its end and no matter how you hide to delay or circumvent things or events which make a mockery of rules, these always have an end. Oftentimes I see some lawyers more harsh than the law itself, because they tend to do good business out from the cases of their clients. Mga suwapang at garapal.

Nevertheless, I would like to salute the City Buildings and Architecture Office of Baguio City headed by its chief engineer Oscar Flores and their demolition head engineer Nazita Bañez for their relentless effort in demolishing that structure at Zamora St.

They are always there doing their job, rain or shine with overtime. Kudos sa inyo mga sir at mam and more power! Also to salute the barangay officials and tanods of Upper Magsaysay and Station 2 of the city police.
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It was an opportunity to be there at Zamora St. o witness the demolition. We met some barangay officials and residents. In fact, my bubwit was able to talk tosome people who made sumbong. One topic was the alleged denial of a permit to operate of a 18-room boarding house which had no BIR receiptsowned by a certain lawyer identified only as Tango.

Reports have it that said boarding house is located in front of the residence of councilor-elect Edison Bilog. Perhaps our top honchos at City Hall and BIR could inspect the said boarding house. Pakibusisi naman ito mga sir at mam.
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The reconstruction of a building (formerly Lopez Bldg.) at the intersection of Kayang St ., and Shagem St. in Baguio is almost done but we have to see yet its permit posted if there is, I wonder why the construction is still going on or perhaps will they just get the permit when the building would be ready for occupancy and get occupancy permit when it will be fully occupied? If this is the new rule of the City Engineers Office or at CBAO, then I guess most of our engineers and contractors are smiling nowadays.
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The two vehicles that are subject of numerous complaints by vendors, jeepney drivers and the passing public along Kayang St. , in Baguio are back on their parking areas after days of laying low due to what I wrote in this column.

These vehicles with plate numbers ADS 724 KIA closed white van and ADH 569 while Cimarron are making the public road as their permanent parking area and a stockroom for trade wares 24 hours a day. In fact, foul smell coming from these vehicles cause inconvenience to the people near them.

Attention, Traffic Management Division of the city police office and Public Order and Safety Division. Perhaps you could visit the area and ask any vendor in front of the Cuevas Bakery where these vehicles are. Paki aksyunan!

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